Propofol is the drug Michael Jackson used to treat his insomnia. He died from an overdose, but it is never supposed to be used as a sleep aid. It is preferred by doctors for general anesthesia.

Although the FDA approved the SEDASYS System back in 2013, hospitals have been slow to embrace the new technology. Currently, it's available only in four U.S. hospitals.

Anesthesiologists argued that no machine could match their highly trained skills, especially in an emergency. But that may be changing as the machine shows its competence.

"Institutions are embracing this new technology as a safe and effective method enabling physician-led teams to administer propofol sedation to their patients undergoing routine colonoscopy and upper endoscopy procedures," said Paul Bruggeman, general manager of Sedasys, the company that developed SEDASYS.

"For the remainder of the year into 2015, we will continue our controlled launch and are excited to be a solution for facilities looking to deliver greater value in today’s increasingly resource constrained U.S. health care market," he said.

Clinical tests show the SEDASYS System reduces the risks associated with over-sedation, according to the company, because patients experienced fewer and less significant oxygen desaturation events with SEDASYS than patients in the control group who received traditional sedation with benzodiazapines and opioids.

Physicians using the new system also reported they were "significantly" more satisfied with results than with traditional sedation.

SEDASYS could also reduce the cost of surgery. Anesthesiologists are some of the highest paid medical specialists. Anesthesiology fees for a colonoscopy can cost $2,000 while SEDASYS costs $150 to $200.

The next time you are sedated to undergo a colonoscopy, there may be no anesthesiologist in sight. Instead, your sedation may be directed by a computer.
The SEDASYS System, a computer-assisted sedation program (CAPS) administers propofol to patients undergoing routine...

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